March 17 is St. Patrick's Day, a holiday that's been recognized around the world for centuries.
Whether you're full-blooded Irish or just pretend to be on St. Paddy's, there are plenty of facts about the Emerald Isle that you may or may not know.
For instance, what animal is St. Patrick said to have chased out of Ireland? Or, what's the oldest pub in Dublin? How about this one: What are the three leaves of a shamrock said to represent?
If you know all the answers to these St. Patrick's Day trivia questions, then go directly to Blarney Stone, because your Irish IQ is clearly "Jeopardy" level.
To prove just how deep your knowledge on all things St. Paddy's really goes, we've collected a list of fascinating trivia questions and answers that's sure to challenge even those whose blood runs green instead of red.
Show off your skills by correctly answering questions on St. Patrick's Day traditions and other facts that pay tribute to Ireland and, if you don't mind us saying, we think they're worth their weight in gold.
Pardon our St. Patrick's Day pun, we couldn't help tossing in a little humor in honor of March 17, a holiday well-suited to corny jokes about rainbows, magical elves and all things Irish.
Speaking of which, can you name the three colors of Ireland's flag? They're green, white and orange. You're welcome for the freebie. But for the rest of the answers to our fun and challenging trivia questions, you'll simply need to read on.
- Question: What's the tagline for the breakfast cereal Lucky Charms? Answer: "They're magically delicious."
- Question: What other name is St. Patrick's Day known as? Answer: The Feast of St. Patrick
- Question: What Irish phrase means "Ireland Forever?" Answer: Erin go bragh
- Question: According to legend, what animal did St. Patrick drive out of Ireland? Answer: Snakes
- Question: What are the three colors of the Irish flag? Answer: Green, white and orange.
- Question: What three pieces of equipment are necessary to play the Irish sport of hurling? Answer: A hurley (stick), sliotar (ball) and helmet.
- Question: What's the oldest pub in Ireland? Answer: Sean's Bar in Westmeath.
- Question: What's the symbol for gold on the Periodic Table of Elements? Answer: Au
- Question: What was the Viking name for Ireland's capital city of Dublin? Answer: "Dyflin," which later turned to "Dubh Linn."
- Question: What 2015 Oscar-nominated movie starring Saoirse Ronan is about a young Irish immigrant who moves to New York City in the 1950s? Answer: "Brooklyn"
- Question: According to folklore, what’s a leprechaun’s occupation? Answer: Shoemaker
- Question: What 1959 children’s movie helped shape the modern-day image of a leprechaun? Answer: “Darby O’Gill and the Little People”
- Question: Which breakfast cereal has “Lucky the Leprechaun” as its mascot? Answer: Lucky Charms
- Question: Which best-selling Irish band features Larry Mullen, Adam Clayton, the Edge and Bono? Answer: U2
- Question: Irish musician Gilbert O’Sullivan hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1972 with what song? Answer: “Alone Again (Naturally)”
- Question: Which Irish actor starred in the 1962 Oscar-winning movie “Lawrence of Arabia?” Answer: Peter O’Toole
- Question: Which song is known as the unofficial anthem of Dublin, Ireland? Answer: “Molly Malone”
- Question: What cheerful Irish greeting is often associated with St. Patrick’s Day? Answer: “Top of the morning to you”
- Question: According to Irish folklore, what will you find at the end of a rainbow? Answer: A pot of gold
- Question: What do the three leaves of a shamrock represent according to Irish tradition? Answer: The Holy Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit)
- Question: According to Wallethub, how many pints of Guinness are consumed on St. Patrick’s Day? Answer: More than 13 million worldwide
- Question: What’s the estimated market value of a leprechaun’s pot of gold (1,000 coins)? Answer: $1.92 million
- Question: What's the average number of drinks consumed per person on St. Patrick’s Day? Answer: 4.2
- Question: According to the National Retail Federation, what percentage of people plan to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? Answer: 54 percent
- Question: On average, how much money do consumers spend on St. Patrick’s Day? Answer: $42.33
- Question: Which St. Patrick’s Day activity is more popular: attending a parade or making a special dinner? Answer: Making a special dinner
- True or false: The first known St. Patrick's Day parade occurred in Ireland. Answer: False. The first recorded parade took place in St. Augustine, Florida.
- Question: What year did the first known St. Patrick's Day celebration happen in the U.S.? Answer: 1600
- Question: What ancient Celtic festival is thought to be the origin of Halloween? Answer: Samhain
- Question: What U.S. president was the first Irish Catholic to be elected to the office? Answer: John F. Kennedy
- Question: What water-loving dog breed is known for its curly coat and rat-like tail? Answer: Irish Water Spaniel
- Question: Ireland is the second largest European island. Which island is the largest? Answer: England
- Question: What is the capital of Ireland? Answer: Dublin
- Question: What's the official currency of Ireland? Answer: The euro
- Question: What common reptile is not naturally found in Ireland? Answer: Snake
- True or false: Patrick, Ireland's patron saint for which the holiday is named, is Irish. Answer: False. He was born in Roman Britain.
- Question: What meat and vegetable dish is a trademark St. Patrick's Day meal? Answer: Corned beef and cabbage
- Question: Which iconic New York skyscraper turns green in honor of St. Patrick’s Day? Answer: The Empire State Building
- Question: Which “Fifty Shades of Grey” star hails from Northern Ireland? Answer: Jamie Dornan
- Question: Which U.S. city was the first to dye a river green in honor of St. Patrick's Day? Answer: In 1962, the city of Chicago dyed the Chicago River green.
- Question: What must a leprechaun divulge if captured? Answer: Where to find hidden treasure
- Question: What year did New York City officially host the first St. Patrick's Day parade? Answer: 1762
- Question: Why is St. Patrick's Day celebrated on March 17? Answer: It marks the day St. Patrick died in 461 A.D.
- Question: Why do we wear green on St. Patrick's Day? Answer: It's most closely associated with Ireland's lush green landscape (Emerald Isle) and the country's desire to distinguish itself from the British in the 1700s.
- True or False: St. Patrick was known to wear the color green. Answer: False. In renderings, the saint was often pictured in blue, otherwise known as "St. Patrick's blue."
- Question: Located in Northern Ireland, what popular TV show used a beech-tree lined walkway known as The Dark Hedges" as the road to King's Landing? Answer: "Game of Thrones"
- Question: As of 2019, what percentage of U.S. residents claim to have Irish ancestry? Answer: 9.2 percent or 30.4 million
- Question: What North American waterway did the Irish immigrants help build? Answer: The Erie Canal
- Question: What’s a “curragh"? Answer: A type of wooden Irish boat used for fishing and transport.
- Question: What hearty Irish meal consists of red meat, carrots, onions and potatoes? Answer: Irish stew